Salute to D-Day veterans [Editorial]

Editorial

The efforts of men and women to turn back Hitler's attempt at world domination in World War II are many, both at home and in those serving in the military. But by far the greatest achievement was the massive effort to gain a foothold in Europe and halt the German advancement.

That effort came 70 years ago today, when 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of the French coastline. The area was heavily guarded and fortified by Nazi forces, and the Allied forces faced a nearly impossible task, but when the dust settled they had gotten that foothold, and the long drive to push back Germany and, ultimately, end the German aggression, had begun.

More than 9,000 Allied soldiers lost their lives or were wounded on D-Day. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft were used to support the invasion

Images of troops landing on the beaches and being cut down almost immediately by enemy fire tell a striking story of bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. Through the years, many who were there have told their stories. Most of those stories include remembrances of those lost, of bravery exhibited by fellow soldiers and of the unified force which understood that failure was not an option if they were to have any hope of living in a free world.

After 70 years, most who were there have passed on. But those who remain still have stories to tell. And luckily for future generations, many of those who have passed away have recorded their memories or documented them on paper.

The war effort is replete with places in history that were turning points in both the European and Pacific theaters. But the landing at Normandy and the D-Day mission stands out as a key moment when the Allies laid everything on the line. Had the effort failed, there is no telling how far Germany may have advanced, or how much longer the war might have gone on.

Today, as we have done every year since June 6, 1945, we honor those who hit the beaches June 6, 1944, and, because of their efforts and sacrifices, put us on a path toward victory in World War II.